Garlic & Pepper Focaccia

Although this is my second time making focaccia I can safely say this is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever made. This savoury, spicy and buttery twist on a classic Italian bread will earn you some stripes from friends and family. If you are dieting or trying not to eat carbs I have to urge you to not make this. You’re going to have a hard time not eating the whole thing in one sitting it’s literally that good. Note that this recipe calls for a generous amount of olive oil so its not the cheapest bread to make. I have plans to experiment with a coconut oil version in the near future. Will keep you updated with how that goes. Check me out on instagram @baidawibai to know the results of that experiment.

METHOD

Starting off with a cup of warm water, add a pack of instant dry yeast and set aside

To a bowl add four cups of flour

Add a teaspoon of salt

Remove the leaves from 5 sprigs of thyme and add to flour

Combine well

Add a 3rd of a cup of Olive Oil to mixture

Add the yeast and water mixture

Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, combine the wet and dry ingredients till it forms a dough

Place dough on a floured surface and kneed for 4 minutes

After four minutes drizzle in some more olive oil to the dough and continue kneading for another 4 – 6 minutes

Drizzle dough with more Olive Oil, cover and allow to prove for 45 minutes.

Grease a baking tray or use parchment paper then sprinkle some cornmeal on the base

Flatten your dough to get as close to a rectangular shape as possible then use your fingers and press them into the dough to make holes

Place slivers of garlic and slices of pimento, olives and scotch bonnet pepper into the holes.

Add a few sprigs of thyme on top.

Season bread with salt and black pepper

Drizzle with olive oil

Cover with a damp towel and allow to prove for another 45 minutes

After 45 minutes, place into a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown

As soon as it comes out of the oven, drizzle with the final addition of olive oil.

Allow to cool then cut and enjoy.

This garlic and pepper focaccia is an instant favourite for me and I’ll probably be making a lot more loaves over the next few months. If you try this recipe please leave me a comment and tell me if you liked it.